In a turgid game of few clear cut chances the hosts gave Dean Saunders' full timers a run for their money, but with both sides having nothing to play for the final game of the season provided little entertainment for the small crowd baking on the terraces.

Wes Baynes grabbed the only goal of the game after 23 minutes while Craig Watkins wasted United's best chance.

“It looked like an end of season game and encapsulated our season really,” said United boss Haylock. “We played well in passages, created decent chances but two or three people have made a mistake for the goal. They got a little bit of luck with the goal and the game petered out after that.

“On the balance of play they just about shaded it. The bigger picture is we have exceeded everyone else's expectations this season, so we will take that.

“We have proved this season that we are good value for our place in the league whereas at the start nobody thought we were worth it. We have turned a lot of people's heads by passing the ball and doing things the right way.

“Our achievements are tremendous and all the managers have agreed with that. Not one has come up to me and said 'you have been a bit fortunate this year'. They have all said 'you have earned it, well done'.”